Daniel 12:5
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
This vision occurred during Daniel's exile in Babylon, likely around 536-534 BC in the third year of Cyrus (10:1). The riverbank setting recalls Moses at the burning bush and Ezekiel's visions by the Chebar River—rivers often serve as venues for divine revelation. The appearance of multiple angelic figures witnessing prophetic revelation emphasizes the message's importance and reliability.
The Tigris River (Hiddekel) was one of four rivers flowing from Eden (Genesis 2:14) and served as a major geographical boundary in Mesopotamia. Daniel receiving revelation at this significant location connects his prophecy to creation, fall, and redemption's broader narrative. The riverbank setting also provides appropriate imagery for Christ "upon the waters," exercising authority over creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the presence of multiple angelic witnesses emphasize the reliability and significance of prophetic revelation?
- What does the symmetrical positioning of angels and Christ's central position teach about divine authority over all creation?
- How does Christ's position spanning heaven and earth prefigure His mediatorial role reconciling God and humanity?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's observation—"behold, there stood other two"—introduces two additional angelic figures positioned on opposite banks of the river (likely the Tigris, cf. 10:4). Their positioning on either side creates a solemn courtroom or witness scene, framing the "man clothed in linen" (Christ, cf. 10:5-6) who stands above the waters. This heavenly council scene emphasizes the revealed prophecy's significance and reliability, with multiple angelic witnesses present for the divine declaration that follows.
The phrase "one on this side...the other on that side" creates symmetrical imagery suggesting balanced witness testimony. Biblical law required two or three witnesses to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15), and this scene provides supernatural verification for the revelation Daniel receives. The careful positioning also suggests the cosmic scope of coming events—angels stationed on earth's boundaries observing divine purposes unfold in human history.
This vision's structure—Daniel on earth, two angels on banks, Christ above waters—illustrates the mediatorial role Christ fulfills between heaven and earth. The "man clothed in linen" exercises authority over both angelic messengers and human history, demonstrating His unique position as both divine and mediator. This prefigures Christ's incarnation and exaltation, where He spans heaven and earth, reconciling both realms through His person and work (1 Timothy 2:5, Colossians 1:20).